Is Driving While Sick Considered Negligent?

Injuries Caused By Negligence or Driving While Sick Accident Attorney in
Indianapolis, IN

Cold and flu season are in full swing this time of year, which means that
there are plenty of drivers on the road suffering from stuffy noses, coughs,
high fever, and lack of sleep.

There will be plenty of people driving while fighting common ailments;
however, what some may not realize is that driving while sick could be
a potential hazard. If someone causes an accident while driving ill, he
or she could also be considered negligent.

Studies Find Link Between Sick Driving and Accident Rates

Two recent studies found a correlation between a driver’s health
and the likelihood of causing a wreck. In these studies, how a person’s
health could impact driving was examined – more specifically, how
coldsand flus could be as dangerous as drunken driving, according to the
study.

Drivers with heavy colds had slower reaction times than those who had up
to four pints of beer.

OTC Medications Could Increase Risk

Over-the-counter cold and cough medications are meant to help people function,
but some can hinder a person’s driving ability, which is why these
medications come with strict warning labels.

A large majority of cold and flu medications cause drowsiness, and they
could become the equivalent of drunken driving. Also, everyone reacts
differently to cold and flu medications. Some drivers may have no reactions
or only limited reactions, while others may experience severe drowsiness
from a single medication.

Despite the fact that these medications –including prescription medications
– are legal, a driver could potentially be sued for causing an accident,
but also be held criminally liable for a
DWI or DUI because of the cold medication.

Symptoms of a Cold Can Hinder Driving

Even when a person is not taking cold or flu medications, he or she could
experience
weakened driving skills simply because of the symptoms associated with the illness.

For example, some of the common symptoms associated with the cold and flu include:

Joint stiffness and pain

Fever

Extreme tiredness

Chills

Cough

Sneezes

Runny nose

Breathing complications

Shakes

Nausea/vomiting

Dizziness

When the body is trying to fight off a virus or infection, it works harder
to do so; therefore, the body is tired. The key chemicals used to help
combat these symptoms and beat the infection can also lead to changes
in mood, decreased reaction times, memory problems, movement issues, and
other ailments that may impair a person’s safe-driving abilities.

If You’re Sick, Stay Home

If you are sick, it is in your best interest to stay home. Not only could
you cause an accident, but you should be resting and avoiding the potential
liability of driving while sick. If you must drive, never take cold medications
and operate a vehicle. Instead, try to have a friend or family member
drive you.

Injured in a Vehicle Accident? Contact an Attorney

Were you injured in a motor vehicle accident? Whether it was caused by
a driver taking cold medications or simply by negligence, you could be
entitled to compensation for your injuries. Schedule a free, no-obligation
consultation with the accident attorneys at
Jacobs Law, LLC today by calling our office. You can also request your
consultation appointment online.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.